FORGIVENESS AND
MENTAL HEALTH
Does a
forgiving spirit have anything to do with our sanity? Evidently it does,
according to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology. The
researchers “suggested that teaching forgiveness may be a valuable mental
health early intervention strategy.”
A team of California psychologists
conducted a survey among 148 college students to find how being “forgiving” to
others affected their own emotional well-being. Their finding “showed for the
first time that forgivingness is a strong, independent predictor of mental and
physical health.” Moreover, they found that the greater the forgiveness
applied, the “fewer negative mental health symptoms” were present.
Interestingly,
the researchers did not delve into the reasons behind this correlation, but
took the findings at face value. They suggested that “forgiveness training can
promote a more forgiving coping style.” My first response was “how can that be
done?” Is granting forgiveness just a matter of “training” or flipping a mental
switch? If we are simply physical creatures with no inner soul, then why would
there be any need for forgiveness?
The truth
is that we are more than “a hunk of protoplasm with arms and legs;” rather we
were created with a soul, including a consciousness of right and wrong. That
forgiveness is linked to one’s mental and spiritual well-being is nothing new. In
fact, since the Fall of Adam, sin has been a major issue in man’s relationship
to God and others. We are all imperfect and self-centered, which often creates
offenses calling for apology and forgiveness.
In my early
days, the difference between right and wrong was clear. Basically, homes were
strong and proper discipline was maintained, supported by the church and
school. Parents and teachers were on the same “team,” desiring the best
training for the children. When rules were broken, the offense was addressed
with loving correction and penalty. Bad conduct was not ignored, condoned or
relegated as “mental illness.” We confessed our wrongdoing to those involved, asking
their forgiveness. That settled the issue, resulting in reconciliation and
emotional healing.
It is
significant that there’s such an increase of depression and suicide in our day
of “relativity,” where absolutes are being denied. There is confusion as to
what is right or wrong. Since the Ten Commandments have been all but cast
aside, every one is doing what’s right in his own eyes. That promotes
disillusionment and anarchy, not to mention the effect on mental stability.
Just as 2x2
still equals 4, so God’s moral law remains undaunted. Laws on the highway make
traffic flow freely, so the moral law facilitates humans to live in harmony.
That’s why we have “law enforcement,” which serves to promote penalty, apology
and “forgiveness” to law-breakers.
The above
study has indirectly uncovered a vital issue dealing with “guilt”—that
conviction of conscience when we’ve done wrong. Society at large suffers from
the burden of sin and guilt, not knowing how to handle it. Obviously, this has
a profound effect on one’s emotional and spiritual state. Undoubtedly, this
dilemma accounts for the increasing number of those who mask the problem with
drugs (legal and/or illegal), alcohol, and other substances. Such an approach
is understandable when you “hurt” and have no lasting remedy.
Where do we
go for help? Forgiveness is the bottom-rung need of mankind, and yet only God
forgives sin. That takes this whole discussion to another level, beyond
psychology per/se. The premise of this study is correct, that forgiveness does enhance mental health, but the
basis of “forgiveness” goes far deeper.
Would it
not be wise to approach this whole subject in light of the sinless One who came
on that first Christmas day to die for sinners, making forgiveness possible?
Yes, this Biblical message has been ignored and considered outmoded; but just
maybe the psychological community needs to take another look at the basis of
true forgiveness and its relationship to mental health.
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